THE ROLE OF THE FAMILY AND CULTURE IN PROMOTING MATERNAL HEALTH IN THE LAWRA DISTRICT OF THE UPPER WEST REGION OF GHANA

Abstract

Although several indicators have been used to enhance maternal health including adequate health facilities and the number of health personnel to help provide quality healthcare in the facilities provided, the indigenous role of the family as well as cultural practices on maternal health seemed to be limited in the global literature especially the role of the family in maternal health in the Lawra District. In this regard, this study investigated the role of culture and the family in promoting maternal health in the Lawra District of the Upper West Region of Ghana. The survey design was adopted in this study. In all, 251 respondents took part in the study. This comprised of 56 pregnant women, 103 women who have delivered and 73 family members (men and women) all of who responded to the study through questionnaires. Additionally, 19 key informants including Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs), Director of Health Services and midwives also participated in the study through in-depth interviews. Quantitative data analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) Version 18, while the qualitative data were analyzed through data transcription. The study concluded that men and women of the Lawra District held a relatively positive perception about maternal health, a significant number of births still occur in the homes of Traditional Birth Attendants and/or mother- in- laws in the District. Generally, the dominance of men in the household makes women in the Lawra District to have limited role in taking decisions that concern their maternal health care. Maternal health is significantly influenced by the cultural and family practices in the Lawra District. Extensive education on how to accurately use contraceptives should be carried out for the men and women of the Lawra District. Men of the Lawra District should be educated on the severer effects of their acts/actions on the maternal health of women.